The position of power forward is one that has changed over the years. In the early days, power forwards were expected to rebound on both ends of the floor and be able to finish in the paint. Ultimately, they were to play Robin to the Batman centers on their teams. However recently, the power forward position has expanded with many teams having their signature or star player at the power forward position.
During the 90’s four players come to mind who revolutionized the position, putting their own individual stamp on what a contemporary power forward should bring to his team.
Karl Malone: Most NBA announcers sounded like a broken record during Utah Jazz games as Stockton and Malone perfected the pick and roll. Malone’s ability to score on all areas of the floor off screens set for Stockton, helped exhibit his exceptional basketball IQ at the power forward position. Malone's strong basketball IQ, physical strength and a soft shooting touch are the main reasons why Karl Malone is considered one of the all time greats at the position.
Tim Duncan: “Big Fundamentals” as nicknamed by Shaq demonstrated the ability to play alongside a dominant center (David Robinson) while shining on his own. His diverse post skills set him apart from other power forwards as he quietly night in and night out tallied double doubles while helping to lead the Spurs to multiple championships.
Shawn Kemp: “The Reignman” brought extreme explosiveness and athleticism to the power forward position. Before SportsCenter Top Ten regular Blake Griffin, Shawn Kemp was a dunking factory. All of Kemp’s teammates would throw the ball up near the rim and somehow Kemp would soar in from out of nowhere and violently slam the ball in. The power and athleticism Kemp exhibited had not been seen before and until the recent emergence of Blake Griffin, did we have another power forward dunking king.
Charles Barkley: Strength, power, and determination come to mind when thinking about Barkley and his NBA career. Always undersized in the paint, Sir Charles always found a way to score and brought an attitude to the position. Although he never led his team to a championship, he possessed the relentlessness of a champion throughout his career.
Other mentionable power forwards who have left a mark on the NBA with their play include Kevin Garrett, Dennis Rodman, James Worthy, and Kevin McHale. Currently, there are a number of young power forwards who bring the same excitement to the game as their processors and have somewhat modeled their play after these all-star power forwards of the past.
Blake Griffin brings the explosive excitement of Shawn Kemp and the strength and power of Barkley. Now that he is teamed up with All-Star Chris Paul he will only improve his scoring ability off screens and build his basketball IQ. Kevin Love like Duncan is a fundamental, double-double player every night, but he also brings the added ability of consistent shooting with deep range. LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh, and Amar’e Stoudemire all bring athletic ability, a soft perimeter touch, and understanding of the game, all potential younger versions of Karl Malone and Kevin Garrett. Only time will tell if these young power forwards will continue to progress as players and be mentioned in the same breath with the elite power forwards to have ever played in NBA. Obviously, with their play the past couple of seasons, they are definitely headed in the right direction.
Shana White is a blog contributor for Gold Star Games.
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